Did you know that there are four key Twitter awards (#SBS, Queen Of/King Of, WOW and SmartSocial)?  Did you know that each has its own dedicated, motivated following plus numerous other benefits?  Did you know that The Awards People have won two of them (Queen of and Smartsocial) with the help of one very special…

Regular viewers to our vlog will know that Karen is something of a regular feature sharing with us her experiences of entering and winning awards.  Karen has also shared with us her top tips on how to maximise being a finalist / winning an award across social media channels.  So, this vlog may come as…

Sue Grogan is very particular about the awards she enters, however, she was very happy to enter the East Midlands Women’s Awards (EMWA’s) in the ‘Outstanding Woman in Care Services’ category because she recognised that they are not only exceptionally well run but also align with her ethics.  This was a new category in 2019…

Now, we’re used to Vicky coming to share tips and advice with us here at The Awards People but on this occasion she comes to tell us about something very personal.  Vicky very recently found herself in need of urgent medical assistance – and it was certainly not what anyone would have expected!  Watch the…

Julie makes her first visit to the Badass Bistro to tell Rach about her unique new business venture – and it’s a fabulous one of course!  As a Business Representation Specialist Julie will be developing relationships on behalf of a small portfolio of lucky clients, ensuring they are introduced to the kind of contacts and…

In what is a first for The Awards People, Rach connects with Positive Psychologist, CEO and Founder of the Women of Contribution Movement and of the Pay it Forward (Notes to My Younger Self) book series via Zoom. Kezia shares details of the exciting 2 day Women’s Weekend Experience which is to be held on…

Just when you thought Christmas was just a feint and distant memory, Rach announces details of The Awards People’s festive gift.  From her warm and cosy seat at the Badass Bistro, Rach shares the news about the invaluable Awards List which she is willing to hand over – simply in return for your contact details.…

The fabulously dressed Stephen Goddard and Philip Brooks-Stephenson drop in to the Bistro to discuss KuKu Connect, their now very well-established networking events across Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire too. As Directors of the business they share the reasons why they were so determined to make their networking events stand out and succeed. Four years on…

Emma may be a regular visitor to The Awards People vlog venues but today she has come along to the Badass Bistro to tell us about her recent win at the VAL Awards, a great event which was held in November and at which she picked up the Volunteer of the Year Award. Emma shares…

Jon and Kevin from Voluntary Action LeicesterShire pop along to the Badass Bistro with news of an exciting new networking event which will be launching on 22nd January (although in his excitement Jon does suggest in the film that it’s the 23rd – but it’s not, we promise!!). ‘The Invaluable Network’ will be a fabulous…

The very stylish Katy Wheatley comes back to speak to Rach about ‘slow fashion’ and how we should all be mixing up our wardrobes a little in the coming year, adding statement pieces which we will keep – and wear with love – for a much longer time, and look very fabulous at the same…

Rach is flying solo at the Badass Bistro and uses the opportunity to announce something very exciting which is literally just about to launch – very, very exciting! We’re not going to give anything away here, you’re going to have to watch to find out what The Awards Blueprint is all about…  

We return to the Badass Bistro this week and Rach is joined by Angela Padfield of Reach PLC. Whilst Reach may not seem immediately familiar to you, you will have seen at least one of their UK-wide websites (they reach approximately 87% of the population via their websites after all!). Rach and Angela very enthusiastically…

This week sees us stray from the Sofa of Success again and take our seats at the Badass Bistro. Rach has a return visit from Dee Beckett of Mosaic Business Growth who shares the story about her recent win in the Nachural Entrepreneurship Awards (Highly Commended don’t you know!!). Dee and Rach chat about self-nomination…

The offices of Pattersons Commercial Law play host to Rach today as she chats to Director and Solicitor Rik Pancholi. As they sit in the ‘Badass Bistro’ (that name might stick!) Rik tells Rach about his own experience of entering, writing – and of course winning – awards. Whilst this wasn’t the work of The…

Creative Brand Agency guru Mark Robinson comes back to the sofa of success to tell Rach about Creative62’s recent success in the Nachural Entrepreneurship Awards where they were Highly Commended in the Apprentice category. He shares his insights on award interviews and making the most of ‘being in the room’.  

Sam, Managing Director of Retford-based manufacturing company J-Flex, joins Rach on the Sofa of Success to tell her about his recent foray into the world of awards (despite being a well-established, 35 year old business). He shares the process which he and the company went through as he stepped up to take the helm and…

In the few months it’s been since Secret Whispers founder, Julie, last joined Rach her business has gone from strength to strength. Awards have played a huge part in her success story to date and Julie shares just some of the wins she has notched up and how important they are to her personally in…

Mark returns to the Sofa of Success fresh from his success at the Nachural Awards. He shares with us exactly what the award meant to him – despite it being a bit of a last minute entry – and how absolutely delighted he was to hear his name called out as the winner. The conversation…

Jude Read has come along to the Sofa of Success to speak to Rach about her recent success at the Nachural Awards. She tells us about why she considered awards in the first place and what it offered her business over and above traditional networking. Jude’s success illustrates exactly how the awards process rewards those…

Michael Angrave, co-founder of Go Websites, comes along to the Sofa of Success to tell us about the very unusual guarantee they give to their clients – doubling website leads in just 90 days! As well as this ingenious way to prove their worth, Michael also tells us why he thinks that awards are so…

With Rachel still ‘missing in action’ this week, Pam Marr welcomes social media guru, Renu Ravalia.  Renu shares her top tips on making the very best of the opportunities offered by the awards process, reaching out to your audience and giving them a real flavour of you and your business.  Being a winner herself Renu…

In a rare front of camera appearance, Pam Marr stands in for Rach this week and is joined by Jastin Patel from The Golden Media Group.  Jastin’s first foray the world of awards was at the English Asian Business Awards and, whilst he was pipped at the post, he explains how the experience made him…

Today Rach is joined by the very lively combination of Adam and Monika whose company, Godemiche, manufactures dildos!  Definitely a colourful visit to the Chairs of Charisma and an interview with lots of good business-related stories and just a few double-entendres.  Everyone had a good giggle but this is a serious business and they have…

Ian McKellar of Kudos Technology braves the Sofa of Success (and Rach’s head cold) to tell us about his own personal awards journey, as well as giving us a brief insight into the world of printers, copiers and other essential office supplies. Some great tips here on how the office technology world is shifting –…

Stylist Extraordinaire, Katy Wheatley, shares her top tips on how to rock the awards dinner in an outfit which makes you feel fabulous. What’s more, she helps us all understand the rules for ‘Business Casual’ and extends her invaluable advice to the all the award-winning fellas out there who might just want to stand out…

Today Rach welcomes Adam Burrage, Managing Partner of Creative Agency, Trident – a family business who fully understand the positive impact awards can have. Finalists in the National Family Business Awards, winners of the East Midlands Institute of Directors Family Business of the Year Award and semi- finalists and finalists in a number of categories…

With a quick caveat from Rach (as she’s perhaps not illustrating the very best of Tammy’s work today), Tammy takes a Chair of Charisma and shares her amazing story – from Birmingham to Sydney to New Zealand to New York to Kidderminster! As an award-winning Hairdresser, Tammy is a very busy lady with many very,…

Susie and John Carlisle take a Chair of Charisma (or two) to tell Rach all about the Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company and the passion they have for their product (which started at an early age). As well as their strong quality and environmental credentials, Susie and John speak about their extensive experience in entering…

Mark Eydman of Six Pillars Consulting sits on one of The Awards People Chairs of Charisma and discusses all things related to customer loyalty. Mark helps his clients understand their own customer relationships, address the challenges and ultimately drive accelerated business success. All very useful advice for those companies who might be pursuing customer service…

This week the temporary Chairs of Charisma see us joined by Benj Street of Radius DR. Benj chats to Rach about the basis of his company which offers workplace disaster recovery (not something we want to think about but something we really should think about!). One of the main objectives of Radius is to provide…

In a brief move from the Sofa of Success to the Chairs of Charisma, Rachel chats with Steven Thai, MD of Ocean King.  Steven gives us an insight into his successful seafood family business and also shares his own personal experience of award wins. Being no stranger to the winner’s podium, he tells us why…

Today Rach welcomes Ruth Goward and Gina Samuel-Richards from AGR Law to The Sofa of Success. Having recently had fabulous success in The Leicestershire Law Society’s Small Firm of the Year Award – their very first award entry no less! –  the ladies share their plans for the future and what other accolades they have…

Mark Esho of Easy Internet Solutions joins Rach on The Sofa of Success. As well as telling her how he built his current business he divulges a little more about what brought him to this point (including having to overcome some major challenges) and discusses his recently published, and very inspiring, book ‘I Can, I…

The Sofa of Success this week sees Rach being joined by Lincolnshire business lady Ellen Chapman. Ellen designs, manufactured and sells Trickle Net feeding nets, a unique product developed to overcome some of the issues associated with laminitis in horses and ponies.

Proprietor of fabulous Leicester restaurant Chutney Ivy, Shaf Islam joins Rach at our new Sofa of Success location in The Queen Victoria Arts Club. He tells us about how he got into the restaurant business and what part awards have played in the journey to his current level of success.

This week Hannah Benyon and Trevor Short come along to the Sofa of Success to speak to Rach about an incredibly creative project on which they collaborated, providing a head-turning entry for a very artistic award which was also selected as a finalist!

Dina Shale joins Rach on the new Sofa of Success with her fascinating story of how horses can aid with rehabilitation in so many ways and how her company, The Way of The Horse was founded. Now shortlisted for an East Midland Women’s Award for Outstanding Woman with Community Impact, Dina explains how both human…

In a rare front-of-camera appearance, Pam Marr Superstar gives her top tips on proof reading and editing award entries before submission and explains why it may be best to enlist the services of a friend, colleague – or even a professional copywriter – to make sure you have created an entry to do you justice.

John Jennings returns this week to share more of his awards-related experience, this time talking about a Leicestershire-based business who totally embraced the concept of employee engagement and, having done so, saw tangible benefits across the business.

John Jennings, Associate Director of Chris Cooper Business Elevation chats to Rach about the importance of employee engagement within organisations of all sizes and how award entry can be included within this strategy.

Today Rach is joined by Nutritional Therapist and Award-Winning Author, Louise Mercieca who shares some fascinating information about how the food we eat shapes our lives. She tells us about her book which makes the topic of nutrition accessible for parents and children alike; a book which has already won her the much-admired Janey Loves…

Sonia Sohal of The Fit joins Rach this week to deliver some much-appreciated advice on how to be dress-savvy when it comes to attending formal events such as awards dinners. Sonia’s company provides a classic, modern and wearable bespoke line of made-to-measure clothing and she shares her tips on getting it right, regardless of the…

Rach reveals our new Sofa of Success venue at The Queen Victoria Arts Club and welcomes our very first guest here – Kevin Routledge, Chairman of The Leicester Riders, Trustee of the Leicester Riders Foundation and Director of the Morningside Arena (amongst other things!). Kevin tells Rach about the history of this very successful basketball…

In the final of our Top Tips Trilogy, Rach speaks about having your ‘Awards Arsenal’ ready to go – making sure that the important things such as testimonials, logos and the all-important headshot aren’t left to the very last minute.

Tara Bailiss of B Audio Visual shares her experience on what makes the perfect awards event and how to ensure that everything not only looks fabulous but also runs without a hitch.

Rach is back on her own to explore the often-ignored subject of awards entry cost. She speaks about the importance of understanding what costs could be involved, even if you are completing the entry in-house. All worth it of course, but at The Awards People we like everyone to be prepared so that there are…

Rach is joined by Dee Beckett of Mosaic Business Growth who shares her personal award experience and tells us how she recommends award entry to clients, not only because she knows the great opportunities it brings, but also because she simply likes to see them being recognised for their amazing achievements.

Rach takes the time to talk to us about… time! She touches upon two of The Awards People’s greatest tips regarding planning and time management – both essential when it comes to successful and stress-free award entry.

Mark Robinson, MD and partner of creative agency, Creative62, chats with Rach this week about how he enjoys working with ambitious businesses and how brand can play a very important part when it comes to awards entry.

A regular visitor to (and owner of) The Sofa of Success, Peter Frost comes back to tell us all about his recent experience as an awards judge. From initial review of a large volume of applications through to the actual shortlisting, Pete shares the top tips he picked up in the process and will be…

This week Rachel had the great honour of meeting up with BBC Radio Leicester presenter Rupal Rajani. Rupal was the compère at a recent awards ceremony and Rachel asked if she would come along and share her experience on the most important aspects of the ceremony from a host’s point of view. As well as some…

David Williams of 3W Growth joins Rachel today as they discuss an awards journey they took one of his clients through recently. Despite David having a great deal of experience in helping owner-managers and leadership teams work on their businesses, he describes how it helped to have a third party (in the shape of The…

Very aptly, just in time for International Women’s Day, Rachel is joined by Julie Cohan of Secret Whispers. Julie tells Rachel about the success of her ground-breaking product and how she is working hard to break the taboo of speaking openly about women’s health matters.

The sofa of success welcomes Debbie Moore, the High Achievers Coach. Debbie tells Rach about the organisation she is building for successful people who are experiencing major transitions in life. Debbie shares her own life experience which has brought her to where she is today and allows her to help others, including publishing her book…

A much-awaited visit from Izzy Tutcher, fundraising manager for Leicester Animal Aid which just happens to be one of our favourite charities and one very close to our hearts. Izzy chats with Rach about the work done by LAA, directly for the animals themselves but also within the wider community. As a very welcomed bonus,…

Rach is joined on the sofa of success by Mick Ventola of Ventola Projects who shares the story of his success and some of the main decisions which have allowed his business to continuously evolve. As well as touching on some specific projects, Mick tells Rach of the role that awards (and award wins) have…

Much to Rach’s delight she is joined this week by Barrie Stephen who tells her all about his early passion for hairdressing and a strong focus which took him to where he is today. Barrie speaks of his humble start in hairdressing as a YTS; a far cry from the award-winning 5 salon, dual brand…

Multi award winner, Julie Jordan Spence came along to the sofa of success this week to talk about her businesses (yes, there are many, including her Practical car & van hire franchise) and her own personal experience of awards. Julie explains how award wins are particularly important in her industry – an industry which can…

Sandra comes back to chat to Rach about her East Midlands Women in Business awards, post event– a huge success in 2018 (a sell-out for the second year in a row no less!) and already very much ‘in progress’ for 2019. Watch this space for details of the 2019 plans to provide another magnificent event…

The sofa of success this week sees a much-awaited visit from Les Philimore, owner of Sententia Business Consultancy and MD of the Director-e (involved in all things related to senior executives/ professionals over the age of 45). Les shares his thoughts on this very valuable sector who have been neglected for some considerable time by…

Rachel goes solo today to speak about the pinnacle of awards success – The Queens Award for Enterprise. Prestigious, yes, but attainable – and very much worthwhile.

Rach welcomes Russell Copley of Greenborough Management to the sofa today. Russell speaks about his business which is all about finding the right finance for the right business at the right time and touches on a few of the clients who they have helped in their development (including one who went on to appear on…

In another interview to prove The Awards People are not East Midlands biased, Rach welcomes Judith Quin of Your Whole Voice about speaking with clarity, confidence and conviction – a great advantage to those who find themselves in front of a judging panel.

This week Rach chats to Glynis Wright, Head of Practice for Glynis Wright & Co. Glynis is multi-award winning and her successes span both regional and national award categories. She shares her own personal experience as a candidate but also as a judge and sponsor – who better to give us tips about how we…

Mark Platt pops in to take a seat on the sofa of success. Mark is the owner of Inside Consulting who help SME’s and owner-managed businesses with business development and commercial strategies. Even as a reasonably young business, Inside Consulting have entered and been nominated for awards so Mark chats about why he thinks it’s…

Rach welcomes Darren Willoughby of 2XL Commercial Finance to the sofa today. Darren shares the reasoning behind his very recent consideration of awards, which has become important to him and the business as they are entering into their 11th year. Darren believes that they are award-ready and looks forward to the opportunities and recognition which…

Katie Neeves, top-ranking photographer and film maker, visits Rachel to speak openly about her decision to keep her previous company name despite it reflecting who she was pre-transition. A fascinating and very positive story as to how Katie put her talents to good use by producing an inspiring video about coming out to friends, family…

Rach proves that the sofa of success shows no regional bias as she welcomes Janine Edwards of St. James Place Wealth Management who may originate from the West Midlands but operates her business UK-wide. As a sponsor and judge of the Leicester Mercury Business Awards, Janine is perfectly placed to speak about the many opportunities…

Rachel has a long-awaiting chat with Priscilla Morris of Loud & Clear Voice Coaching about the power of the voice – not something we often think about but essential to consider if we find ourselves in front of an awards judging panel or on a 1-2-1 telephone call with one of the judges.

The latest visitor to the sofa of success is Nindar Johal who is the founder of the Signature Awards and, more recently, the Nachural Business Awards. Who better to give us some insider information on awards and what they are all about.

Unity MD Pete Frost returns after a month away from the sofa of success to update Rach on the effects of awards success and how he has capitalised on the glory.

Tune in to find out what Rach’s top 3 tips are when it comes to entering awards. Award and category decided, what should you do next?

Dave Sinclair, our tame film-maker extraordinaire comes to the sofa of success to talk about all things video. Some great tips here about getting the very best shots, even when the subject is a little reluctant to be in front of the camera…

Rachel finds herself all alone on the sofa of success today and takes the opportunity to tell us about a great offer where clients can receive a free award entry by simply referring others to The Awards People. Watch her short vlog for details!

Today Rachel explores the early stages of award consideration with Carol Richardson, MD of Absolutely Tidy. Carol hasn’t yet entered any awards and Rachel demonstrates how to decide which direction might be right for her and her business, a thought process which may be of use to others out there who simply don’t know where…

Ron Lynch, Regional Director for the Institute of Directors East Midlands, interrupts his busy schedule to speak to Rachel about the IoD Awards and how they want to encourage people to share their great business stories. An interesting chat, busting some long-believed myths about what the IoD is all about.

Rach has the pleasure of speaking with professional photographer Alex Benyon, who knows the importance of using images within your award entry which you feel will represent you in the best possible way.

Karen Cureton, our returning Social Media Queen, shares her top tips on how to ‘get traction’ from award success on social media without turning people off.

Performance Coach and Psychotherapist Vicky Bailey has come to our couch to give us an insight into what could be standing in people’s way when it comes to entering awards. Vicky works with private clients and helps them work through any ‘stuff’ which is preventing them being the best version of themselves, so who better…

Founder and MD of Unity (and actual Owner of the ‘Sofa of Success’) Pete Frost joins The Awards People to tell Rach about his recent win as Non-executive Director of the Year at the Institute of Directors (IoD) East Midlands Awards and about being shortlisted as a semi-finalist for Young Director of the Year within…

When Lisa joined us recently she described the ‘film star feeling’ of having an award win announced. Along with her colleague Holly Morgan, we also got a great insight into award-winning businesses from the perspective of someone who has worked her way up through the company and from someone who is at the beginning of…

This week on the sofa of success we get VERY serious. Forget about the key information to include in your award entry, we’re tackling the much-debated subject of the winning celebration and whether it’s champagne or prosecco time…

Karen Cureton joins Rach following a recent shortlisting in the Rural Business Awards and the Businesswoman of the Year at the Niche Awards. She describes exactly how she felt when she got the news and what she feels it will do for her business and her attitude towards celebrating success.

This week’s interview on the sofa of success is with Sandra Pollock, founder of the East Midlands Women’s Awards which is now in its second year after a blazing start in 2017. Sandra tells us why she set up the awards and tells us what we can expect to see this time around.

Alex’s Wish Founder and Director, Emma Hallam shares her experience of entering awards and what it has meant to her charity and their supporters.

Jenny Cross of Cross Productions talks to Rach about setting up the Niche Business Awards four years ago and gives us a few hints about how the awards may evolve in the future.

Susie McEniff chats to Rach from The Awards People on ‘the sofa of success’ and discusses what awards have meant to Charity Link, it’s staff and supporters. A fabulous charity with some very interesting experiences to share.

Pete from Unity talks to Rach from The Awards People about his own personal award experience – entering, being shortlisted… as well as the disappointment and learning from not being shortlisted. Well worth a watch!

Rachel Hargrave speaks to Samantha Gamble from Edward Cooper Young and learns about their journey, why award entries have become an important part of their strategy and what they will be doing to celebrate their 10th year of business.

Welcome to our very first TAP vLog! Every week, we will be sitting alongside and catching up with a vast selection of Business Owners and Leaders, delving in deep in to the world of industry and professional awards. With an exciting line up – keep an eye out on our social channels and be sure…